SATE Interview: Reinvention Takes Guts

It’s particularly exciting to bear witness to someone when they are in a time of transition. There is a reason why the phoenix rising out of the ashes persists as a powerful metaphor. We often find ourselves forged by the ways that we have resisted or healed after times of significant transformation.

Our feature SATE is in good company with a history of powerful and eclectic artists who are ‘formerly known as’. Reinvention takes guts, something she has in abundance. It seems so fitting that this come with her new release. I remember the first time I saw her on stage as part of Manifesto, Canada’s largest hip-hop festival. A natural rock star in an industry dominated by men, she defies easy classification always going for something more complex. Her stage presence is enormous, a firecracker on stage; she moves crowds of thousands in stadiums globally with an incredible ease. It was great to get to catch up with her.

How are you feeling about where you are as an artist?

I feel like I’m in a brand new phase of my life, it’s been a metamorphosis, a rebirthing.

What are some of the ways that you would describe yourself?

I would describe myself as passionate, a shit disturber, foul mouth, raunchy, expressive, observant, and frank, curt and diplomatic at the same time, and a relentless dreamer.

What are some of the things you are most proud of?

I am most proud of ALL of the obstacles that I’ve gotten past, through and around in order to be here. Living and pushing through some of the most chaotic and challenging times in my life, and coming through with a reason to smile — be they being a mother, manifesting/finishing this musical body of work, navigating through relationship shifts with my siblings, trying to find balance in watching my mother struggle with dementia and my father with his stroke.

How did you find your way to your music?

I was fortunate to have been born into an extremely musical family, and other than dancing and acting, couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do. Quite frankly, I dig being a creative person, I’ve always been creative, and really can’t imagine doing anything other than expressing myself creatively as my life’s work and legacy.

What would you say to a younger version of yourself with the wisdom you have now?

I would tell my younger self to follow my instincts, that they are always right for me and my path. I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to be weird or different, that there’s a family of weird people out there waiting to be found. I would also tell my younger self not to stop dancing, and to love my body regardless of how anyone makes you feel about your body.

What do you have coming up that you are excited about?

I’m excited about the 3 EPs that I just completed. I created a crowdfunding campaign, and I’ve just released the EPs exclusively to these supporters. I will be collaborating with the supporters of the campaign to whittle the 18 songs down to the 10 songs that will be on the album that I’ll release to the public.

She reached 157% of her goal and is giving 10% of all proceeds after her goal to the Alzheimer’s society of Canada. Part of the inspiration for this album is her mother, who she counts as the reason why she sing and performs. She is living with dementia, which is a form of Alzheimer’s. This cause is incredibly close to her heart. I’m a fan for life. Here’s hoping you are too.